Minnesota softball coach Jessica Allister leaves for job at Stanford

Minnesota softball coach Jessica Allister, who steered the Gophers to a 56-5 record and top national ranking this year, is leaving for Stanford.

The University of Minnesota announced Allister's move back to her alma mater on Tuesday.

Allister was Big Ten coach of the year as the Gophers made their fifth straight NCAA tournament in her seven seasons at the school. Athletic director Mark Coyle said she was leaving despite being offered an extension to make her one of the highest-paid coaches in the Big Ten.

Allister was a catcher at Stanford, where she holds the record for games played and helped the Cardinal to two Women's College World Series. Stanford finished 19-32 this year under Rachel Hanson.